Santa Cruz County History - People

Charles Cazeau Has Crossed the Divide
Well Known Resident of This City For Nearly Thirty Years Passes Away

Charles Cazeau, one of the best known residents of Pajaro Valley for nearly thirty years past, entered his last sleep peacefully yesterday noon about 1 o'clock at his home at 236 East Lake avenue. The Grim Reaper hovered over his soul for over two months past and his death yesterday came as a result of a general decline, which was brought on by bronchitis and a complication of diseases. The end had hourly been expected for several days past and when the crucial time arrived it found the brave spirit prepared and the end was a peaceful one. The funeral services will be held next Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the family residence to St. Patrick's church, where a requiem high mass will be said. The interment will take place in the valley cemetery.

The deceased was born in Canada and at the time of his demise was aged 74 years, 7 months and 21 days.

When but a young man Mr. Cazeau removed to Rochester, New York. While a resident of Rochester President Lincoln issued his famous call for the Civil War and Mr. Cazeau responded to defend his newly chosen country. He enlisted in 1862 with Company H of the 8th New York volunteer cavalry regiment and a series of brave deeds won him the promotion of corporal, sergeant, first sergeant and lieutenant, respectively. In April he was transferred as lieutenant to Company G in his same regiment, but two months later the war ended and he was mustered out. Since that time he was a prominent G.A.R. man and at the time of his death was a member of the George H. Thomas Post in San Francisco.

Shortly after the war he married a Rochester woman and the two came to San Francisco to reside. Later they removed to Santa Rosa and still later and nearly thirty years ago they came to the Pajaro Valley to reside on a farm near Corralitos. They then sold the orchard and removed to Watsonville, where Mr. Cazeau purchased a half interest with D. Maheau in the Bank Exchange saloon. This interest Mr. Cazeau later sold out and entered partnership with S.C. Hildreth.

In 1899 Mr. Cazeau's wife died and the following year he married again, his bride being Mrs. Caroline Miller Hausler of this city. Two years ago Mr. Cazeau decided to retire and since that time he was not engaged in active business.

In the death of Mr. Cazeau this city loses a good citizen. Generous, warm-hearted and genial at all times, "Dad" Cazeau won friends wherever he went and a large host here in Watsonville will mourn his loss. The younger men especially appreciated his many kind acts for them and whenever a friend in need was wanted in time of trouble many sought "Dad" Cazeau for the benefit of his kind advice and helping hand.

The deceased is survived by his wife, his step daughter, Miss Minnie Hausler; a brother, Theodore Cazeau of Rochester and three nephews: Chester Cazeau of Eureka, William Cazeau of San Francisco and Ed Cazeau of San Francisco.

>>Return to Home Page of Old Soldiers: Santa Cruz County Civil War Veterans

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